This gift shop features clothing, children's toys, household goods, jewelry, and myriad other homemade crafts from around the world (mostly Asian). Best of all, the proceeds benefit local communities in Third World countries, so you can ease the guilt of spending more than you planned. Be sure and stop in around the holidays for their special take on Christmas decorations.

This gift shop features clothing, children's toys, household goods, jewelry, and myriad other homemade crafts from around the world (mostly Asian). Best of all, the proceeds benefit local communities in Third World countries, so you can ease the guilt of spending more than you planned. Be sure and stop in around the holidays for their special take on Christmas decorations.

PROS: handmade crafts from around the world
CONS: smallish store

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Business Response:

Thanks for your review!
We've recently done a floor move which expands the shopping space quite a bit. We carry crafts from South and Central America and Africa as well as Asia. Be welcome to stop in again and see how we've changed!

At this shop, you will find all sorts of ethnic and exotic artifacts, clothes, instruments that you could hope for. One of several locations in the Chicago area, the staff is earthy and kind and will give you some ideas on what you might be looking for.

At this shop, you will find all sorts of ethnic and exotic artifacts, clothes, instruments that you could hope for. One of several locations in the Chicago area, the staff is earthy and kind and will give you some ideas on what you might be looking for.

PROS: Friendly staff
CONS:

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Business Response:

Thanks! I'll tell our volunteers what you said.
Thanks for your kind words about our staff. We have more than 70 volunteers who give eight hours of their time each month to help struggling artisans make a fair wage. They are glad to help with any questions you may have. Check out our new website for future events!

This shop operates as a not-for-profit entity, so your dollars go to the people who need it most--individuals in third-world countries that make the wares sold here. You'll find hand-crafted clothing, jewerly, pottery, rugs, dishware, and other home decor items. Special section devoted to Christmas items remains open all year. Unique and beautiful items from many countries represented. Prices are comparable to other stores like Pier One or Cost Plus, Ten Thousand Villages isn't cheap, but certainly not overpriced and of very good quality and craftsmanship.

This shop operates as a not-for-profit entity, so your dollars go to the people who need it most--individuals in third-world countries that make the wares sold here. You'll find hand-crafted clothing, jewerly, pottery, rugs, dishware, and other home decor items. Special section devoted to Christmas items remains open all year. Unique and beautiful items from many countries represented. Prices are comparable to other stores like Pier One or Cost Plus, Ten Thousand Villages isn't cheap, but certainly not overpriced and of very good quality and craftsmanship.

Business Response:

Thanks for your knowledgeable review!
Your feedback helps us improve our service--stop in to see how we've changed in response to customer feedback. Thanks for supporting fair trade and the artisans who are educating their children for a better future because of it.

Message from Ten Thousand Villages

Ten Thousand Villages won the Green Business award from Co-op America in 2006. Evanston's local outlet features 3,000 items from 30 developing countries perfect for your home or as gifts to all your friends. Part of one of the world's oldest and largest fair trade organizations, Ten Thousand Villages earns vital, fair income for unemployed artisans to pay for basic needs, health care and education, thus breaking the cycle of poverty. At Ten Thousand Villages in Evanston's expanded store, your purchase makes a world of difference.